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Deputy Speaker Represents Malta’s Parliament At 19th Conference Of Small European States

Deputy Speaker Represents Malta’s Parliament At 19th Conference Of Small European States
Local

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Bernard Grech is participating in the 19th Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Small European States, being held in Andorra with the participation of parliamentary leaders from eight European countries.

The conference brings together Speakers and Presidents of Parliament from Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino to discuss common challenges faced by small states and exchange experiences on parliamentary practices.

Opening the conference, President of the General Council of the Principality of Andorra Carles Ensenyat Reig highlighted the importance of cooperation between small states, noting that they share similar challenges and a common future.

During discussions on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the current European and international context, Bernard Grech spoke about the importance of dialogue in addressing conflicts, instability and growing geopolitical tensions.

He said Malta’s position as a small EU Member State between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East places it in a position to promote communication and build bridges between different sides.

Grech also addressed the relationship between executive and legislative branches, stressing the need for strong and independent parliaments, effective oversight and constitutional safeguards. He said that strong parliamentary institutions are essential for better governance, maintaining public trust and protecting democratic standards.

At the end of the conference’s second working session, the participating Presidents of Parliament signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their cooperation and the annual organisation of the conference, which was first held in Monaco in 2006.

The memorandum reaffirms the commitment of participating parliaments to democratic values, the rule of law, sovereignty and multilateral cooperation, while encouraging greater coordination between European and international parliamentary institutions.

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